Royal Robbins was one of the pioneers of American rock climbing, and if you ever head to Yosemite National Park, you’ll hear his name quite a bit. He is a legend, and in 1968 founded this apparel company with his wife. Since then, the company continues to develop stylish and functional outdoor clothing. They have a broad line of lifestyle apparel as well as more technical, on-trail styles.
Royal Robbins has a wide range of hiking and lifestyle apparel. The 2015 women’s hiking apparel is functional and comfortable (and looks good!) on the trail. Plus their 2015 collection includes several new dresses, skirts, and tops for summer that will keep heads turning on your in-town adventures. Some of my favorites from their spring/summer 2015 women’s collection are:
- Pack N’Go Jacket: A lightweight jacket that blocks wind, has a two-way zipper, and UPF 30+ protection (see why UPF sun protection is very important). If you’re on a day hike and there’s a chance of wind or chilly temperatures, then this is a very stylish and practical jacket. I particularly like the adjustable cuffs (see picture)
- Backcountry short. These shorts are very comfortable. They are shorter than the Backcountry Walker short (these come to the mid thigh), and are good for a hot summer day. I like the large back pockets as well as zippered front pocket. Because they are made of a special nylon called “Laundered Supplex nylon”, they feel almost like cotton and they don’t wrinkle. I know…I have worn my test pair several times and washed them and they hold up very well. Be sure to wear insect repellent if you’re wearing shorts in mosquito country!
- Noe S/S top. A flattering adjustable sleeve (sleeveless or cap sleeve) top that is made of extremely soft rayon. It is a good travel top that can be easily dressed up or down. The shoulder buttons make it better suited for town than on the trail (a backpack will rub on the shoulder buttons).
- Discovery Pant. I love these pants! These are my new go-to hiking pants because they are comfortable, wicking, fashionable, and functional. Hiking Lady reader Karen recently asked about a pair of black hiking pants for her daughter working on turtle research in Costa Rica, and these pants are what I recommended to her (see Ask Hiking Lady: Black Hiking Pants?). Note, they come in taupe as well, and the best part is that they come in lengths, so if you’re petite, you won’t need to spend more money or time on hemming this pair.
Stay comfortable and fashionable this spring and summer, and check out Royal Robbins’ 2015 line. Thank you to Royal Robbins for providing samples of their women’s hiking collection for testing by Hiking Lady, and for sponsoring the May 2015 Hiking Lady contest. Enter for a chance to win a pair of my new favorite hiking pants, the Discovery Pants, in your size!